The Nigerian film industry and Yoruba cultural scene have been thrown into mourning over the passing of veteran actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako, who died at the remarkable age of 102.

The veteran actor was said to have died early Thursday morning after taking a nap and complaining of slight tiredness.

President of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr Latin announced his passing, saying burial details will be announced soon by his family and association.

Agbako, a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, is now remembered as the oldest actor within the Nigerian film sector, whose life spanned over a century and left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Nigeria.

News of Agbako’s passing was confirmed by fellow Nollywood veteran Jide Kosoko, who announced the somber event to colleagues and fans, sparking an outpouring of condolences from actors, filmmakers, and fans alike.

The actor’s influence on the Yoruba movie industry was profound, with countless admirers who grew up watching his performances in classic Yoruba films.

Agbako was renowned for his portrayal of bold and often complex characters, bringing a unique flair and authenticity to the screen that won him generations of fans.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Ikeja Golf Club has been sealed off by the Lagos State Building Control Agency for negligence and disregard for public safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, said the enforcement followed numerous complaints about safety lapses at the club.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Building Control Agency has taken decisive action by sealing off the Ikeja Golf Club at Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, after several incidents of negligence raised concerns about the public, safety of lives and property damage.

“The closure was prompted by repeated complaints and a recent incident in which a golf ball struck a LASBCA staff member in its Ikeja Headquarters premises.

“In addition to this unfortunate incident, there have been multiple cases of errant golf balls causing damage to vehicles in the vicinity.”

The agency further noted that stray golf balls had been reported causing damage to vehicles in the area, with the club’s management allegedly ignoring repeated instructions to implement necessary safety measures such as protective netting or modified play areas.

Expressing his disappointment, LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, criticized the club’s management and players for their apparent disregard for public safety.

“It is concerning to witness such negligence from a reputable establishment. Persistent disregard for safety regulations is unacceptable, particularly when it puts lives and property at risk,” Oki said.

Oki stressed that the club’s lack of preventive measures violates safety regulations and underscored LASBCA’s commitment to protecting residents and visitors from preventable hazards.

He added that the club would remain sealed until it implemented adequate safety measures to address the risks.

By Francesca Hangeior

The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, has defended his proposed bill that will allow Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence stating that it could serve as a deterrent against criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.

When asked if Nigerians carrying arms will solve the nation’s security problem, Nwoko, in an interview with Channels TV on Wednesday, said, “Oh, it will. It will.”

Nwoko then shared a personal story of loss, recounting how his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) was killed in a kidnapping incident last November.

“The estate was attacked by kidnappers going from house to house. When they got to their door, my SLA told his wife to hide with the children. He opened the door to talk to them, and he was taken away. We never saw him alive again,” he said.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Nwoko argued that armed citizens could discourage criminals from operating so freely.

“If he had a gun, or if others in the community had guns, would the kidnappers have had the audacity to go door to door? That wouldn’t happen,” he said.

However, Nwoko clarified that his proposal includes strict regulations.

“For you to have the license to have a gun, you must go through a training school, a shooting school, which is a training school. You must get confirmation from two doctors that you have a sound mind.

“You must get reports from the DSS and from the police. You must also be confirmed by your local traditional ruler that you are who you are,” he said, adding that only qualified individuals would be allowed to carry arms under his plan.